The Detroit Lions beat the Minnesota Vikings 30-24 to clinch the division for the first time since 1993. Justin Jefferson had an improbable first-down catch late on third-and-27, and the Vikings were driving to score. But Nick Mullens threw his fourth interception of the day, sealing the game for the Lions.
Below are five numbers that explain Minnesota’s Christmas Eve loss.
10
A questionable Pat Jones roughing the passer call on second-and-26, and Jared Goff’s near-fumble that Cam Bynum returned for a touchdown was a ten-point swing late in the second half.
2.875
The Vikings have turned it over an average of 2.875 times in the games that they have lost. They are 4-0 in games where they win the turnover battle, 2-0 when they tie it, and 1-8 when they lose it.
23
Nick Mullens is a bit of gunslinger like Brett Favre, his fellow Southern Miss alum. 23 of Mullens’ 36 passing attempts were more than 10 yards downfield.
6
Mullens has 6 picks after 2 starts, the most of any of the four QBs Minnesota has started this season.
14
The Vikings have played 14 one-score games this season, tying four teams for the most in NFL history. The 2021 Vikings went 6-8 in one-score games during Mike Zimmer’s final season. They are 6-8 in one-score games this year.
